Two previously vacant properties owned by Herefordshire Council have been transformed into six self-contained flats that will now provide supported accommodation for homeless people in Hereford.
The site has undergone significant renovation and has now been handed over to housing provider Stonewater to manage on behalf of the council.
The newly renovated homes have already been let to new residents who have been referred to the scheme by local homelessness charities.
Residents will receive ongoing support from the Herefordshire Council’s Rough Sleeper Support Workers team, with on-site intensive housing management support provided by Stonewater, with a dedicated Housing Management coordinator employed to work at the service.
Guy Morgan, Operations manager (Supported Living) at Stonewater, said: “The provision of these flats to homeless people in Hereford will be a significant steppingstone to supporting these individuals to move on to longer term accommodation.
“We know that it is difficult to prevent homelessness, as the causes are often complex and multifaceted, however the new accommodation will provide a secure and supported environment to those in need.”
Councillor Ange Tyler, cabinet member for Housing, Regulatory Services and Community, said: “I’m really pleased to see this project come to fruition.
“The scheme is a great example of re-purposing existing buildings into housing for people who need it most.
“This is a new lease of life for old buildings and a new lease of life for a group of previously homeless people. It’s a fresh start in good quality homes they can be proud of.”
The scheme is in addition to Stonewater’s work with Herefordshire Council to deliver a self-build community project aimed at providing affordable housing for local veterans.
The site in Leominster delivered 19 homes, and transformed the lives of the six veterans involved in the project who moved into a brand-new home that they helped build and learn new skills.
Image: Caron Badkin/Shutterstock
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